Review: How to Drive a Dragon Crazy by G.A. Aiken

AMAZON | KINDLE

How to Drive a Dragon Crazy by G.A. Aiken
Fantasy / Medieval
2012-09-04 (Zebra)

Rating: B-
Heat: Hot

Heroine: Iseabail the Dangerous – Warrior, Naughty ‘Niece’ 
Hero: Eibhear the Contemptible – Warrior, Dirty ‘Uncle’
Setting: Garbhan Isle, to and from there.

Synopsis:

Some things never go away, like vile enemies, bad ale, and annoying kin. Honestly, though, I thought I was finished with the one dragon I'd have done anything for: Éibhear the Blue, a big, gorgeous, blue-haired beast who thinks the world belongs to him. The world and, apparently, me.

If Éibhear wants to play the caring hero and travel into the most forsaken of Gods forsaken lands to protect the one woman who doesn't need it -- namely me -- I'll let him. Because while I'm trying to fulfill a ridiculous quest for a pushy god, I'm going to draw this overconfident warlord much too close, rekindle his fires, and enjoy every minute of his delicious defeat...

Review:

This was a highly anticipated, patiently awaited, read for me. I’ve wanted Izzy and Eibhear’s story since they first appeared together on the pages. There was something so funny about the way a sixteen year old Izzy could continually rile Eibhear up with just a look or a few choice words. And, poor Eibhear, the way that he so desperately wanted to see Izzy as a niece—which clearly was never going to happen. It really did drive that dragon crazy.

With the way that their relationship was built up and weaved throughout the series, it was pretty clear it would either rock my world or… not. I won’t say that I’m disappointed by their book but… Okay, maybe I will say that. I’m just disappointed. The number one reason why? It didn’t feel like their book.

There were many, MANY points of views in this story.  Everyone, and I do mean everyone, has page time. Annwyl, Dagmar, Talaith, Briec, Rhiannon, Rhianwen, Talwyn, Talan, Gwenvael, Frederick, Keita… Even a few minor (read: miniscule) characters that are only around for a few pages. Some were necessary, some were not. But the fact is, I think everyone else had more page time than Izzy and Eibhear themselves. Which… sucked, honestly.

Now don’t get me wrong, I enjoyed—nay, loved—catching up with the past couples and seeing what they’re up to now. And the new, younger generation is so darn interesting and peculiar—especially the twins with their slight creepiness and general ‘off-ness’. I also now have a fondness for Frederick, Dagmar’s nephew. He is one of my favorites. But, that said, I think some of what takes place in this book that necessitates the many, MANY viewpoint changes could have been spread out into the next book. Focus more of the story on Izzy and Eibhear and them getting to know each other again after a decade apart.

Because this book most certainly does not focus on Izzy and Eibhear getting reacquainted. How can it when so much else is constantly happening? And so many new people and places and… things… are being introduced? I don’t want to spoil anything, so, suffice it to say, it made me long for the simplicity of the previous books. Which, if you’ve read the previous books, you know this world is not terribly simplistic already.

But—call me contrary, if you must—I like where Miz Aiken is taking this world and the changes she’s making. The way things are evolving will keep the world interesting. I just wish it all didn’t have to be worked into this one book. It made for a busy, busy book.

Gripes aside, I loved every moment between Izzy and Eibhear. Those two could give Talaith and Briec a run for their money in the verbal sparring department. And, whew, when Eibhear finally drops the ‘uncle’ and accepts how he feels for Izzy… it gets hotter than a Southland dragons’ flames. Those two make love as fiercely as they make war.

How to Drive a Dragon Crazy might not be my favorite in the series (that honor remains Dagmar and Gwenvael’s) but it was still very good. Highly entertaining and packed with action, if not as much romance as the previous books. I like where the series is heading and the characters and couples to come. Particularly Talwyn and Talan (those two will require strong-willed mates) and Rhianwen and Frederick (I’m hoping they’re paired with each other…). Can’t wait to see what’s next for the Dragon Kin!

Favorite Quote:

“I’m your uncle?”
Oh. So that’s what was bothering him. Izzy could have done a lot of things at this moment to assuage Eibhear’s annoyance. A lot of things.
She didn’t do any of them.
Instead she said, “Well…you are my uncle.” She brushed a bit of nonexistent dirt off his bare shoulder. “And I was your ward until years later when you finally had your vile, dirty uncle way with me.”
”Izzy.”

 

Thoughts While Reading:

0.0% - "Excited! Been waiting forever for Eibhear & Izzy's story!"
33.0% - "Slow start..."